First Replicator Usage?

[Longinus]

As to how much info storage a transporter needs, it's easier to see a "pattern buffer" as a sort of holographic storage device (and none too shabby starting point for a holodeck) that stores the quantum wave pattern intact. This means that technically no atomic bonds have been broken (ie. you haven't destroyed the transport subject more completely than any weapon system) and Lt. Barclay still retains some aspect of himself for grabbing things in transit in that TNG episode (The Greatest Fear?). If you just temporairily remove the matter "slurry" (ie. the "particle" side of things) from the pattern and make a gross adjustment to its quantum characteristics so that it's more at home at the other end of the transporter beam, the pattern can be "re-imposed" on it at the target point. I can see that up and running in the mid 22nd century without needing to store all the info to reproduce something or someone atom by atom. Sufficient info storage and manipulation tech for biofilters, replicators and holodecks can be left to the mid 24th century or so.

Yes, something like that. What the transporter is actually transporting is the quantum state.

 

[Tyberius]

In the ENT episode Dead Stop, the machine replicates parts and food, so probably sometime after that.

 

[sojourner]

My Opinion:
From an engineering point of view the "Eaternet" wired transporter would be the best option. Less moving parts = less chance of breakdown. It also would eliminate the waste of alot of internal volume on "dumb waiter" tubes. Nevermind reducing man hours spent keeping them clean and functional. If you are worried about power issues then simply shut the system down during red alerts. (who will have time to eat anyway?)
How the food is created prior to transport to destination, based on service time witnessed in the original show, I would go with some kind of replicator or device that worked with basic building blocks like generic meat, soy, flavor additives, etc.


The tribble issue is easy to resolve if they have a heightened sense of smell. They got to the location where the meals are created after being attracted to the odors through the airducts.